Important Things To Know When Driving Through Work Zones In West Texas!
Right now in the 432, we have work zones all over the place. This overpass is shut down for renovations, that road is being repaved, various city and county roads are currently under construction and what do we do? We adapt like the fine upstanding citizens that we are. I'm not going to lie it's not easy or fun sometimes because work zones make for longer commutes in the morning...
waiting in line for what seems like an eternity when you are in town but regardless of the situation, we must obey the laws when it comes to work zones. Our common goal should be to protect these hard-working folks at all costs.
WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR DRIVING IN WORK ZONES:
According to txdot.gov here are some important things to know,
*The law requires drivers to either move over a lane or reduce their speeds when approaching roadway construction zones. This is known as the Move Over/Slow Down Law in the state of Texas est. in 2013.
*When entering a work zone you must reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching TxDOT, emergency, law enforcement, tow truck, or utility vehicles stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside or shoulder.
*speeding tickets can be double in work zones up to $1,000 when workers are present.
*The temporary speed limit signs for construction zones should be followed throughout the zone, even when workers, equipment, or construction markings like barrels are not present. However after normal business hours and on weekends when workers are not typically present the traffic fines should not double in the event you are caught speeding.
*Remember to stay alert and minimize distractions when driving through work zones! Keep your eyes on the road and off of your phone or your radio and keep up with the flow of traffic.